Live.Love.Laugh

Controversy: Proud vs. Angry or "The case of Bloggers against Designers"

While some brands are openly transparent with bloggers and the projects that they work on together, others seem to skip over them. Probably, you already know this from Betty's blog or from Pandora's, it is case of Zara using illustration of bloggers on their t-shirts. 

When I saw this on Betty's website and read that she was very disappointed because she was not even asked for permission,  the first thought that came to my mind was that Zara made a huge mistake and definitely Betty has a strong case against them. But then I did analyze the situation and realized that probably the artist that made the illustration was contracted by Zara and probably payed for the use  of his work. Or at least, if they didn't, he would be entitled to be pissed off about the situation.

 

It is also he case of Pandora, who has a problem with both Zara and Pepe Jeans for the same situation. There's no doubt that these girls are the subject of the illustration, and all resemblance are obvious.

If I found out that someone had drawn a cartoon version of me and put it on a t-shirt, especially a company as big as Zara, I'd feel excited, then confused and probably pissed off that I wasn't at least informed. However, that's probably as far as it would go, since an illustration is the intellectual property of the artist who drew it, and as long as I am going public posting pictures of myself on the internet I surely am aware of the consequences.

The illustration is an original work. Does she have the right to complain? Of course! I'd probably complain too. Is it illegal for Zara to do this? Of course NOT!

Contrary to what many people apparently think, it is NOT ILLEGAL to draw an illustration from a reference image, a photography, another piece of art or illustration. I did a little research on the internet and I found out that: this kind of thing is like a "derivative work", protected and described under the Copyright Act as “a work based upon one or more pre-existing works” such as an “art reproduction”. So, this illustration is a reproduction of o photography that did not even belong to Betty in therms of copyright policy.

The creator of the derivative is entitled to the copyright of the parts of the new work they created so if they draw a totally new drawing, they are legally entitled to use it as their own, even if it's based on a photo or another piece of art. The original photo is the intellectual property of whoever took it, the drawing is the property of the illustrator who drew it!

Case closed!

O, Sole mio!

God, it's hot! Last week the weather was extremely hot. The thermometer went crazy and everyday we were literally boiling. I would have worn only my swimsuit, but since this was not possible I had to make some compromise and dig the closet for the most airy and easy to wear clothes I own.

I love this skirt! It's so summer cool and I love how it emphasize the fifties big-skirted silhouette from Guci's Spring/Summer 2008 Collection. I am aware that it's from 2 years ago, but you know how sometimes you just can't get over a collection or one item because it's so timeless and passing through trends and seasons. I bought my skirt exactly after seeing this glamorous and ladylike collection on style.com and it still is one of my favorites, like all the other pieces from the collection that I craved for.

foto source: style.com

H&M Fall

In spite of the horrid temperatures outside, my mini skirt and flipflops and the urge to splash into a pool, I must post these lovely pictures of Daria from H&M Fall Collection. 

One of H&M’s favorite models, Daria Werbowy, is once again featured in their Fall/Winter 2010-11 ad campaign. In case you were wondering why there’s a lack of color, well... this collection is all about the brown and beige color palette.

I can’t wait to see the full campaign! Until that moment, let's enjoy the younger and more casual line, Divided.

 

 

The fitting and the pool

My post weekend post, became more of a weekly column of BeauBazar. I try to keep in touch with my friends and followers almost daily and post as much as I can, usually, things that I love or that I want to share to the world. About last weekend, my husband and I joined Claudia and Petre to Claudia's wedding-dress fitting in Arad. I can't tell or show you too much of her fitting, as the wedding will happen soon enough, by the beginning of September and I don't want to spoil everyone's surprise. Pictures from the event will follow soon after.

Well, I must confess it was such a nice feeling to remember my fittings from this time last year, when my custom made wedding dress was almost done and I was so enthusiastic about everything.

Then we took the opportunity of being in Arad and treat ourselves a quick shopping session at the Mall, pay Sephora a visit and had a delicious dinner.

As for the Sunday, we spent a whole day at the pool, just lying in the most perfect bed, having delicious cocktails and splashing into clear blue water. I love the weekend escapades! How was your weekend?

TRF Summer Lookbook